p. 37 | PRACTICAL RELIGION

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 20, 1887

PRACTICAL RELIGION.

GIVING up sinful practices or pleasures—or even questionable ones—is not enough. Such negative religion will not last long, or avail much. Genuine piety is a positive thing; it is doing right, it is keeping Christ's commandments. Pulling up weeds does not make a garden in the bright May days. Mellowing the earth, and dropping the seeds, and setting out the young plants, is the only substantial way to do it. When the soil is busy growing vegetables and flowers, there is little space left for weeds. Less than half your religion depends on the "thou shalt not's." Christ did not say to Matthew, "Thou shalt stay here at the toll-booth, and try to keep out of cheating and other evil practices of the publicans." He said, "Follow me," and then Matthew goes at once into a new line of conduct, and a new life.

Begin at once to do whatever your Master commands. Begin to practice religion. A child never would learn to walk by a hundred talks about the law of gravitation; it must use its own feet, even at the risk of many a tumble. Wait not for more feeling, or more pungent convictions, or for anything that you read of in other people's experiences. These are all snares and hindrances, if they keep you from doing at once the very first act that will please Christ. Have you never opened your lips to an unconverted friend, either to avow your own feelings or to do that friend some good? Then try it; you will strengthen yourself, and may bring an unexpected blessing to him or her. In short, you must begin to obey a new Master; to serve a new Saviour; to strike out a new line of living, and rely on God's almighty help to do it. When you give yourself to Christ in this whole-hearted and practical fashion, he will give you a thousandfold richer gifts in return. Yes, he will give you himself!—Selected.